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Beit Midrash
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After Hashem hardened Pharaoh’s heart, a short exchange developed between the two, in which Pharaoh said: "I will not continue to see your face," and Moshe agreed that indeed that would be the case (ibid. 10:28-29). We should notice that until this point Moshe had never asked for complete freedom. Even at the burning bush, he had been instructed to tell Pharaoh to allow the people to journey off into the desert and bring sacrifices (ibid. 3:16-18). This request and the varied responses of Pharaoh repeated themselves when Moshe first went to Pharaoh (ibid. 5:1-3) and after the plague of arov (ibid. 8:23). Only after the plague of darkness did Moshe say that they would "not leave a hoof."
Let us put things in perspective. Moshe had originally asked for freedom of religion – as found expression in a festival of service of Hashem. Since what Bnei Yisrael were supposed to do was against the Egyptian religion, they needed to go a few days’ journey into the desert. Had Pharaoh agreed, Bnei Yisrael would have been acting under the auspices of Pharaoh, and even Moshe would have been incorporated into the Egyptian political apparatus in one form or another. He would have been one of those who "see the face of the king" (a phrase we find in other courts in Tanach – see Esther 1:14). In the argument that developed after the plague of darkness, Pharaoh was warning Moshe that the way he was going, he would no longer be one who sees the face of the king. In other words, he warned Moshe that he would be breaking ties with Egypt and would have to take responsibility for the Israelites, with all this includes. Moshe, when saying, "indeed, I will not continue to see your face," was saying that he was ready to make a full break from Pharaoh and was demanding independence.
The idea of a break from Egypt was not something that only Pharaoh saw as a threat. Bnei Yisrael also had to get used the idea. Time and time again, when trouble arose (including the danger leading up to the splitting of the sea – Shemot 14:13), they complained to Moshe that he had taken them out of Egypt and into the desert. Indeed, the quick and total separation was not easy for them either.
An important lesson for generations is that the nature of liberation, certainly of the final one, is that it takes place slowly. Even in Egypt, where it ended quickly, there was a process in which not only Pharaoh but also Bnei Yisrael had to get used to the idea – one stage at a time. In our time-period, when we are in the midst of the beginning stages of the final redemption, we should remember that we need to go step-by-step and cannot try to take shortcuts.
Rabbis in Midrash
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Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.